We are honoured to have Sir Warren Smith as the patron of Mustard Tree.

On the 4th July 2022, Sir Warren Smith KCVO KStJ JP retired after serving for 15 years as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Mark Adlestone OBE DL is Chair of Trustees. As a former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester 2019-20 and current Chairman of Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, Mark’s passion for charitable work shines through – his expertise and most importantly his values align perfectly with Mustard Tree and the future plans of the charity.

Vikas is the Managing Director of Swiscot Group, a global textiles & commodities trading business. He is also Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship with MIT Sloan on their European MBA Programme in Lisbon, and has over 10 years experience working with charities in a number of sectors.

After a 25 year career in IT including running his own company, Jim joined Mustard Tree in 2009 first as a volunteer and then as Operations Manager. In that role he played a major part in setting up our community interest company Standfirm and in the establishment of our branches in Eccles and Little Hulton. He continues to actively support the Mustard Tree’s development as he manages the refurbishment project of 110 Oldham Road as well as contributing to the charity’s strategic direction.

Richard has been Areal Director of Association of Colleges covering the North West since 1 December 2014. Prior to taking up this role Richard was Chief Executive of Voluntary Sector North West for 7 years, a regional umbrella body for the voluntary sector.  Richard has also held a number of senior roles in both the voluntary and private sectors, including time at the National Union of Students and as Chief Officer of Salford CVS.

Charlie is CEO at Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group. She has worked in the social housing sector for over 30 years, across the North West and in Vancouver, Canada, with a background in community and co-operative housing development, neighbourhood management, supported housing and regeneration. Charlie is also the GMHP lead for health and housing.

Nici is Director of HR at Swizzels Matlow. After obtaining a degree and masters degree in International Business and French, Nici spent the first five years of her career working for a charity as a community fundraiser and event co-ordinator, before joining the family business. After a brief stint on the factory floor, Nici gained her qualification in Human Resources, working her way up from Admin support to HR Director. Outside of her day job, Nici is a Trustee and Regional Chair of a national charity and a Governor of a local early years nursery.

Darren Clark CStJ DL was born in Oldham and after leaving school began a career in accountancy. After some years in that role he joined a Funeral Directing company. Now after over 30 years in this occupation, he owns and manages three Funeral Director Companies in and around the Oldham area. Over the years Darren has received three special awards from Her Majesty The Queen in recognition for his voluntary service to St John. He was awarded the Serving Brother of the Order, Officer of the Order and in 2014 Commander of the Order. He was appointed has a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Greater Manchester in 2015.